The Ballot and the Bible

“This clever, judicious, and remarkably persuasive book challenges us to rethink how we apply Scripture to politics. It reminds us that while a ‘plain and literal’ interpretation of the Bible is not actually possible, a humble and faithful interpretation is. I’m so grateful for the wisdom Kaitlyn Schiess brings to this conversation. I pray that we listen to her.”

Beth Allison Barr

“It’s not often that a book both challenges your fundamental beliefs and elevates them at the same time. The Ballot and the Bible is such a book. Schiess addresses foundational questions about the nature of our political life together and establishes the urgency of reevaluating our civic norms. This is a book about faith, politics, and the Bible that our churches and our democracy need.”

Jemar Tisby

“We are formed in community, and, as Kaitlyn Schiess shows in her remarkably deft historical account and analysis, that community shapes not only how we view politics but also how we read and apply the Bible to our politics. Whether you lean left or lean right, whether you come from a red state, blue state, or a purple one, if you are a Christian who seeks to apply biblical principles to your political thinking, you will find something instructive, challenging, and enlightening in this book.”

Karen Swallow Prior

“The Ballot and the Bible offers keen, level-headed, and perceptive insights into the use of Scripture in our political life that will empower readers without leaving them either complacently cynical or myopically gullible. Spend time with Kaitlyn Schiess by reading this book, and you’ll gain confidence in your own ability to navigate political issues. Kaitlyn’s combination of pastoral care with real pastoral wisdom is rarer than it ought to be, and it’s part of what makes me confident in Kaitlyn’s leadership, and our need for it, for years to come. The Ballot and the Bible is a wonderful contribution, and I highly recommend it.”

Michael Wear

“A wonderfully illuminating history of how Americans have reached for the Bible—for better or worse—to shape our shared political life. From John Winthrop’s ‘city on a hill’ to Eisenhower’s Cold War Christianity to the peculiar marriage of evangelicals and Donald Trump, Schiess takes us on a journey that allows any Christian to see how the Bible can shape our political engagement, or, if we aren’t careful, our politics can shape our Bible. Highly recommended!”

Phil Vischer

“What a gift Kaitlyn Schiess is to the church. Somehow, Kaitlyn serves up rigorous academic research with illuminating insight and theologically rich wisdom, all perfectly peppered with wit. And in these pages, she is operating at the height of her powers. The Ballot and the Bible is brilliant and fascinating and about so much more than politics. This book should be required reading for hermeneutics classes, as well as anyone who teaches the Bible.”

Sharon Hodde Miller

“History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme. That maxim is certainly on display in Schiess’s compelling book about the use—and misuse—of the Bible in the political arena throughout US history. With accessible scholarship and wisdom, she reveals how the use of Scripture in today’s polarized political environment echoes its use in previous eras. But Schiess is also careful to highlight and honor the unique contours of each generation’s engagement with the Bible. This book is a must-read for every Christian who cares about the role of faith in the public square.”

Skye Jethani